Andréa Jacqueline Simpson

                                              “God gave us memory, so that we might have roses in December.”         -J.M. Barrie

Andréa Jacqueline Simpson, age 67, of Massillon, Ohio, passed away on December 6, 2024. Born on September 22, 1957, to the late Robert Lee Simpson, Sr. and Emma Marie Peak Simpson, Andréa was a dedicated sister, mother, grandmother, educator, and friend. 

Andréa’s life was marked by her love for God and devotion to those she held dear. One of six children, at an early age, she and her older siblings took on the responsibility of caring for her younger sisters and brother, following the untimely passing of their mother and then their father. 

Despite these early challenges, Andréa persevered and graduated from Massillon Washington High School in 1976 and went on to begin studies at Kent State University Stark Campus. At the age of 23, Andréa embarked on her most treasured role as mother to her twin daughters, Jessica and Jennifer. She had a singular focus: to instill character, work ethic, resilience, confidence, and faith in Jesus Christ in her children, who she affectionately called her “firstborn” and “baby girl.” 

Andréa’s formative experiences cultivated a “take charge” personality in her and a passion to advocate for herself and others. Throughout her life, she worked in many service industries, including mental healthcare, childcare, and education. In 1988, determined to finish her bachelor’s degree, Andréa relocated her family to Kent, Ohio. While in school, she served as a resident advisor for Allerton Student Family Housing. Her enthusiastic care for others and the environment prompted her to establish the annual Festival of Nations, celebrating the diverse cultures in the Allerton community, and Litter Awareness Week—an initiative focused on engaging residents in community clean-up and preservation of green spaces. 

Andréa earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Kent State University in 1992 and went on to inspire many as an educator in public, private, and charter school systems and as a Sunday school teacher and Title I tutor. 

Eager to support her daughters, Andréa moved to the Dayton area, following the birth of her first grandchild. She quickly built a community of neighbors and friends and was a participant in the Goodwill Easter Seals’ Senior Community Service Employment Program and a member of Omega Baptist Church. 

In 2021 Andréa happily returned to Stark County and most recently became a resident of Bradley Place Senior Community—fittingly across the street from St. James A.M.E. Zion Church where she began her walk with Jesus Christ more than 40 years ago. 

Andréa was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Lee Simpson, Sr. and Emma Marie Peak Simpson, as well as her siblings: sisters Rose Marie Simpson and Gladys Louise Simpson, and brother Robert Lee Simpson, Jr.

Andréa is survived by her daughters, Jessica Turpin and Jennifer Turpin Stanfield (James) of Fairborn, Ohio, grandchildren, brother Christopher Simpson of Canton, Ohio, sister, Tina Mathews (Terry) of Maineville, Ohio, and sister-friend Sheila Clifford (Erskine) of Massillon, Ohio, nieces, nephews, and a host of extended family and beloved friends.

A service to celebrate Andréa’s life will be held on Friday, December 20, at St. James A.M.E. Zion Church 209 2nd St. SW, Massillon, OH 44646; visitation with the family at 11 am; service at noon with a repast directly following. In honor of Andréa’s memory, donations can be made to the St. James A.M.E. Zion Church Family Life Center (111 Tremont Ave. SW, Massillon, Ohio) in Andréa J. Simpson’s name.

Andréa’s strength, wit, and loving nature will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.